LETTER: CalTrans is still not in compliance

About 20 citizens of Little Lake Valley attended the regularly scheduled North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board meeting in Santa Rosa on January 30, to speak during the public forum portion.? We wanted to alert the NCRWQB that Caltrans is still not in compliance with the conditions set forth with their permit, nor with the last letter sent.? We are firmly insisting the Board follow through on Condition 5 and order Caltrans to cease and desist work until they come to the table with a plan to restore, protect and enhance wetlands, instead of destroying common resources critical to survival.? Last year Caltrans was allowed to continue construction before meeting conditions that an approved mitigation plan be in place.? The group insisted there be "no more extensions, no more exemptions and no more waivers." The group was well received by the Board, who graciously allowed more than the 30 minutes allotted for public comments.? Follow-up from the Board and staff will be evidenced by their adding an actionable item to the agenda of their next meeting (March 20, I believe) to discuss issues more fully AND ensure that citizens observers be part of continuing agency meetings between NCRWQB staff and Caltrans on the mitigation plan.

Ellen Drell used a number of photos in her 3-minute speech, giving the NCRWQCB a heart-wrenching direct view of the extent of the damage.? Others spoke of the folly of messing with the water system, pumping water out of 40 acres of functioning wetlands forever via wick drains, and pumping millions of gallons of groundwater for dust suppression alone, particularly in a time of drought.? Others brought up examples of delays and slippage on conditions Caltrans has already committed to, such as along Ryan Creek.